Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage
Escape Anchorage's long daylight hours or bitter blowy winters in the royal-but-cozy Captain Cook Hotel. The dark wood walls of the lobby invoke an old sailing ship, and indeed the theme throughout this 3-tower, 547-room hotel is decidedly "early explorer." Rooms range from Junior Suites (as low as $160/night in the winter) to the Presidential Suite, with antique teak and silk furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Nearly all rooms have views, but it's best to request a top room (rates don't vary depending on elevation). Some look out on Cook Inlet and, on a clear day, Denali, while others peer down across Anchorage and the Chugach mountains. Rooms come with terrycloth bath robes, luxury linens, and wireless and TV internet.
For some of the best dining and views in Anchorage, ascend to the Crow's Nest on top of tower 3. With a renowned cocktail list and 10,000-bottle wine cellar, even locals consider the Crow's Nest the place to go for special occasions. If you're feeling a bit more casual, head to Fletcher's for beer and pizza or the Whale's Tale for wine, coffee, and internet. Another casual choice is the soup-and-sandwich joint The Pantry, serving 3 meals a day. And of course room service is always available.
In addition to top-notch accommodation and dining options, the Cook has 14 lobby shops selling everything from kitchsy souvenirs to high-end outdoor apparel. The hotel also has a large athletic club featuring separate women's and men's gyms, a lap pool, hot tub, saunas, steam rooms, and my favorite: a "nap" room in which patrons wrap themselves in blankets and stretch out under heat lamps.
If you're looking for a regal stay on your vacation, the Captain Cook is the hotel to splurge on.
